Leucorrhoea Relief: Harnessing the Power of Ayurveda for Natural Healing - A Case Report

ABSTRACT

Shwetapradar, commonly known as leucorrhea, is a gynecological condition characterized by abnormal vaginal discharge. While it is normal to a certain extent, its pathological manifestation can become severe, often overshadowing the primary cause and prompting patients to seek treatment for this specific symptom. Traditional Ayurvedic approaches to managing Swetapradara (leucorrhea) include addressing the root causes, adopting the Kapha shamak (kapha mitigating) diet, and employing specific procedures such as vaginal suppositories, douches, and fumigation, alongside symptomatic treatment. This case report presents the successful management of a 32-year-old female suffering from chronic leucorrhea. The patient underwent effective treatment through Shamana chikitsa, which involved the administration of a therapeutic combination along with Sthanik Chikitsa (local treatment) of Yoni Dhavana (vaginal douche). This comprehensive therapeutic approach aimed at addressing the patient’s condition, reflects a well-rounded strategy that leverages the synergistic benefits of these specific medicinal elements.

CASE SCENARIO

A 32-year-old female patient was present at the Striroga – Prasuti Tantra OPD, seeking relief from Yonigata Shwetastrava (vaginal white discharge) persisting for the past two years. Alongside this primary concern, she reported experiencing Kati shula (low backache), Yoni Kandu (vulvar itching), Yoni Daha (burning sensation at the vulva), and Daurgandhya (odorous discharge) during this period. Following a comprehensive interrogation and thorough physical and clinical examinations, it was revealed that the patient had previously sought treatment at a private hospital without experiencing satisfactory relief in her symptoms. Her mother had suffered from the same problem. Seeking an alternative approach to healthcare, the patient decided to pursue Ayurvedic treatment. The patient had no significant medical history, including conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, or bronchial asthma, and no prior surgical interventions.

PERSONAL HISTORY

The patient was a housewife, and her dietary habits were characterized by a mixed diet. The Ashta Vidha Pariksha (eight method of examination), with a focus on Rukshata (dryness), was within normal limits. Mala (stool) was Saam (indicating constipation) and Sparsh (Touch) was noted as Kharasparsha (dryness of skin), signifying rough texture and dryness upon touch. These findings provided valuable insights into the patient’s lifestyle and physiological characteristics relevant to the clinical presentation.

MENSTRUAL HISTORY

Regular, lasting for 5-8 days with a 28 days interval. No other notable abnormalities.

OBSTETRICS HISTORY

G: 2, P: 2, L: 2, A: 0, D: 0.

CLINICAL EXAMINATION

Patient’s vital signs were recorded as follows: H.R. was 76 bpm, B.P. 120/80 mm of Hg, temperature 98.8ºF, and R.R. 17 breaths per minute. Agni was noted as Vishama (irregular digestion), with a Madhyama (moderate) Koshtha (gastrointestinal tract). Prakruti (constitution) is Kapha-Vataja with Sara (tissue essence) described as Rasa-Raktaasara. Mala was characterized by Asamyaka (irregularity) and Vibandha (constipation). Mutra (urine) was Samyak (normal).

VAGINAL AND SPECULUM EXAMINATION

It shows white sticky frothy foul-smelling discharge along with mild cervical erosion.

INVESTIGATIONS

URINE – Pus Cells – 8-10/hpf, Sugar – Absent

HIV – NR VDRL – NR

USG – revealed no significant abnormality

ASSESSMENT CRITERIA

The patient’s condition was assessed as detailed in Table 1 with the final diagnosis being Shwetapradara.

Table 1.

Showing assessment criteria[1]

Assessment criteria	Grade 0	Grade 1	Grade 2	Grade 3
Shweta Strava (Vaginal White Discharge)	Absent	There is wetting of undergarments occasionally/moistness at vulva and slight discharge	Discharge from vagina in moderate manner, wetting of undergarments	Heavy discharge from vagina which requires the use of vulval pads
Katishoola (Backache)	Absent	Patient can manage her routine work and can bear the pain.	Unmanageable routine work & patient needs break off.	Cannot withstand pain & bedridden.
Yoni Kandu (Itching of the vulva)	Absent	Slight rub	Instantaneous rub causing redness	Rubbing continuously resulting redness
Yoni Daha (vulvar burning)	Absent	Occasional burning	Frequent burning	Continuous burning
Durgandha (Odour)	Absent	Mild	Moderate	Severe

OBSERVATION

Before treatment, the patient had grade 2 Shwetastrava and Katishool, while Yoni Kandu, Daurgandhya, and Daha were graded 3 and 4, respectively. During subsequent visits, there was a reduction in Yonigata Shwetastrava (vaginal white discharge). In addition to addressing this primary improvement, the patient also reported a decrease in Kati Shula (low backache) and Yoni Kandu (itching at the vulva). The patient reported a substantial (90%) reduction in symptoms just in 16 days of the treatment. On follow up after 1 month all symptoms were found absent.

TREATMENT PLAN

Sthanika chikitsa (Local treatment)

Yoni prakshalana (vaginal douche) with the decoction of Lodhra (Symplocos racemosa Roxb) and Vata (Ficus benghalensis).

Internal Medicine

Table 2 showing Formulations with Dosage, Route and Duration

Table 2.

Showing formulations with dosage, route and duration

Formulation	Dose	Frequency	Anupan	Route of administration	Duration
Pradarantak Rasa	1 tab	BD	Lukewarm water	Oral	1 month
Tab. Lucol	1 tab	TID	Lukewarm water	Oral	1 month
Musalikhadiradi Kashayam	15 ml	TID	Lukewarm water	Oral	1 month
Praval Pishti	10 gm	BD	Gulkand	Oral	1 month
Cutis ointment	-	-	-	LA	ays

DISCUSSION

A progressive amelioration of symptoms was observed compared to the previous visits. The patient received treatment until the complete resolution of symptoms, diligently adhering to the prescribed regimen, which included vaginal douches, medications, and a list of do’s and don’ts. Gynecological examination revealed a decrease in congested vaginal mucosa, excoriations on the labia majora, a hypertrophied cervix, and a milky white discharge. The therapeutic approach incorporated Ayurvedic drugs, vaginal douche, Lodhra decoction, and intravaginal application of Cutis ointment for a period of 15 days, supplemented by pacifying treatment. Regular follow-ups documented consistent relief from symptoms. The treatment strategy was tailored based on etiopathogenesis, identifying Kapha as the primary pathogenesis of disease in leucorrhea. Additionally, there was an involvement of Rasa Dhatwagnimandya (diminished metabolic activity) and vitiation of Apana Vayu (type of Vata dosha). Shaman Chikitsa (pacifying treatment) entailed Pradarantak Rasa, Lucol tablet, Musalikhadiradi kahsyam, and Praval Pishti along with Gulkand (Rose Preserve).

MODE OF ACTION OF PRADARANTAK RASA[2]

Pradarantak Rasa acts through its astringent, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. It tightens tissues, reduces inflammation, and addresses infections. It regulates Kapha (type of dosha), contributing to the management of Shweta Pradara (abnormal vaginal discharge), and may have haemostatic effects, controlling excessive bleeding.

MODE OF ACTION OF TAB LUCOL[3]

Tab Lucol acts through its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, reducing inflammation and toning tissues in the reproductive tract. It has haemostatic effects, helps to balance Kapha dosha (type of dosha), and possesses antimicrobial actions.

MODE OF ACTION OF MUSALIKHADIRADI KASHAYAM[4]

Musal (Asparagus racemosus) is known for its adaptogenic properties and is traditionally used for promoting reproductive health, supporting the immune system, and providing general vitality. Khadira (Acacia catechu) is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and astringent properties. It is often used to address issues related to the skin and mucous membranes.

MODE OF ACTION OF PRAVAL PISHTI[5]

Praval Pishti acts by providing a cooling effect, astringent properties for tissue tightening, balancing Kapha dosha, and serving as a natural calcium supplement. It also has mild hemostatic effects.

CONCLUSION

The success of the treatment reinforces the significance of Ayurveda as a valuable healthcare alternative for gynecological conditions, emphasizing a well-rounded strategy that considers both symptomatic relief and the restoration of underlying imbalances.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Funding Statement

Nil.